Play Therapy to Reduce Surgery Anxiety in Children With Heart Disease
Part of Genetic & congenital, Heart & circulation, Mental health clinical trials.
This study tests whether therapeutic play—guided activities designed to help children feel comfortable—can reduce anxiety before heart surgery in children ages 0–12. Reducing pre-surgery anxiety may help children recover better and have fewer complications.
Summary written for real people, not researchers, by Clin2.
Who can take part
- Your child has been diagnosed with congenital heart disease (a heart condition present from birth) and is scheduled for elective (planned, not emergency) heart surgery
- Your child is between 0 and 12 years old and can understand simple instructions and communicate
- Your child is alert and does not have severe intellectual disabilities, hearing loss, speech problems, or autism that would prevent participation
- You (the parent or guardian) can provide written permission and help your child participate in play activities during the study
- Your child does not have other serious medical conditions (like cerebral palsy, seizures, severe liver or kidney problems) that could affect anxiety or recovery
- Your child has not been taking sedatives, anti-anxiety medications, or antidepressants long-term before surgery
Quick eligibility check
Answer a few plain-language questions, based on this study's own requirements, to get a preliminary sense of fit.
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